Advance photo/Jamie LeeState Senator Andrew Lanza (R-South Shore) has issued a severe ice alert to local residents for this stretch of Amboy Road between Richmond Valley Road and Page Avenue.

RICHMOND VALLEY -- For safety's sake in these frigid winter months, South Shore motorists should consider leaving their cars in the garage and using transportation that is a bit more practical.

Like ice skates.

Considering the state of certain roadways from Tottenville to Bay Terrace -- where excessive groundwater tables and wetland infringement leads to regular flooding and, when the mercury falls too far, dangerous icing -- a quick drive to the supermarket can be a perilous proposition.

According to state Sen. Andrew Lanza (R-South Shore), one of the worst icy buildups can be found along the span of Amboy Road between Page Avenue and Richmond Valley Road.

Just two weeks ago, the entire stretch of asphalt was closed by police because the icing was so severe, especially on the bend right near the Richmond Valley train station access point.

"I have received numerous calls to my office over the past few years from motorists and residents about this particular stretch of Amboy Road," Lanza said. "As the weather gets colder, this area, which is often flooded, freezes over and is a tragedy waiting to happen."

While most locals are aware of the slippery situation, Lanza says that the conditions there are completely unpredictable for even the most careful and experienced driver.

"Often times 'black ice' covers the roadway and motorists are caught off guard by its potential danger," he continued, adding that the lack of sidewalks there is an additional concern. "This must be fixed immediately."

Two weeks ago, Lanza's office requested the city's Department of Transportation and Department of Environmental Protection come up with a solution for the icing issue. In the meantime, he is asking that residents "drive with caution" on Amboy.

While some sheets of ice come as a surprise, most are similar to the Richmond Valley situation in that they are repeatedly frozen over.